Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The (Ugly) Truth About Acorns

You've probably seen them...the packages of half-faux acorns from Pottery Barn...the perfect little autumn decoration. Fill a jar, scatter across the table. But at $14, I thought they were a bit pricey,

especially when the real thing is lying on the ground for the taking (as long as you beat the squirrels to them). So on one of my walks, I filled my pockets with the nicest acorns I could find. I was quite enamored with my collection...until several days later when (gasp!)...I discovered white worms crawling out of my pretty little acorns!! Talk about unwanted house guests. Thank goodness they were not on my dinner table! So as you can imagine, I look at these pest-free acorns from Pottery Barn in a totally new light. They are worth every penny! Nonetheless, the acorns are the inspiration for today's autumn tablescape. If you need desire fresh, inexpensive and seasonal table linens, march right over the Home Goods.

That's where I found this lovely rust and floral Ralph Lauren tablecloth. Instead of a runner, I dressed up the middle of this table with this charming burlap striped ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

They really had an interesting collection of natural fiber ribbons of various width. All you need is a little imagination. And while I normally don't feel the need to match my napkins, I couldn't pass these up. So they would not get lost on the cloth,

I turned them into a pretty little raffia-wrapped bundle and set them atop my plain white plates. These plain white plates were in turn set atop my favorite navy blue plates

(The Blues by Arabia of Finland). And because I love to layer, I added simple jute mats...

...they really help the blue plates to stand out. I know I've been using them a lot lately, but tis the season, so here are my gorgeous

I've had them for years, Crate & Barrel, I believe. A Fall tabletop is so easy to accessorize. The more the merrier. I'm so glad these cute corn husk flowers from...

...(Serenade in Wheaton) get to come to the party again. Of course, a bit of candlelight is in order, especially since it's dark at 4:30! I chose these shiny mercury glass tea lights and nestled them here and there, and also these antique Chinese brass candle sticks.

These were always on display in my parent's home for as long as I can remember! What a nice memory to bring them out again. And last, but not least (they are the star of the story today)

I've scattered handfuls of darling little Pottery Barn acorns all over my plates. You have most likely started your holiday preparations, but please spend a few relaxing minutes checking out the fabulous ideas at the following parties.

Yikes about the real acorns! I have resisted buying the faux ones, but do love the look. Your table looks wonderful -- beautiful and seasonal, and I always love seeing the brown stemware. Who would have thought it would be so versatile? Great job!

Jill,Alrighty...it's good to know I'm in "great company" with the acorns!!! Same thing happened to me! I bagged those acorns 12 to a bag for $2.00 to sell in my UniqueAntique Fall Booth! Luckily, I found them the night BEFORE we loaded the autos and off to the TRASH they went! Gorgeous tablescape! Those candlesticks are so stunning, I can see why you use them often. . .especially with the wonderful memories they must bring! I love, love, love your tablecloth!!! Those blue plates really bring out the variety of hues within the tablecloth pattern! Great choices! Amber stemware is perfect and I adore the package wrapped napkins!!! All in all, I'd say this is a striking Thanksgiving tablescape!. . .and you and I are both the wiser because of the acorn experience!Fondly,PatVisiting from Susan's Tablescape Thursday!!!

The autumn table is beautiful with your fall hues. I love your blue plate to give the layers a definite wow! The acorn theme is very pretty with the large ones in your centerpiece and the lovely ones scattered on your plate. The print napkins wrapped as a package is so special. I love acorns and my tablescape is also featuring them this week. Th is so fun to view your fall table with the rustic elements and elegant pieces mixed so creatively! Very Lovely Tablescape! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Beautiful autumn tables cape. I had to smile about your real life experience with the acorns. When I was teaching, one day my first grade students gathered up acorns on the playground with the great idea that we could use them in our math lessons as visual aids. Yep, we had little worms crawling everywhere! Lesson learned. LOL

Oh my gosh I'm going to check right now to see if there are crawly things on the acorns that I glued to napkin rings. Your table is rich with color and texture and you were, perhaps, smarter than I to use store bought acorns.

What a lovely fall table. I had the same thing happen with acorns several years ago. When I am lucky enough to find acorns these days, I put them in a ziplock bag and pop them into the freezer for 24 hours, takes care of any little crawlie things!

Your tablescape is gorgeous! I had to laugh at the acorn story since a similar thing happened to me. Sometimes it is just better to go with faux. Thanks for joining the Open House party and take a look at your table featured at this weeks party.

Hello. I'm Jill..or you can just call me Dish Girl. I live in Wheaton, Illinois and I like cooking, eating and drinking, entertaining, good music, and good friends . This is my online journal where I'll share with you all of the things I love. All photographs on this site are taken by Laura.

Welcome to Tabletop Stories. I started this blog to share my love of setting the table. My passion is entertaining friends and family, and although I enjoy planning the menu, selecting a musical playlist and cooking the meal itself, above all I love setting the table for the occasion. I'm a mixer and a matcher, and therefore I do not believe I have ever set the same table twice. I adore the quest for new dishes, glassware, linens...everything tabletop! New wineglasses, vintages candlesticks, resale shop tablecloths...all have a place in my home. So stop back at my table often. I'll set a place for you!